Dr. Michael F. Rice Michigan superintendent of public instruction | Michigan Department of Education
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has reported a significant interest from school districts in grants for high-quality early literacy materials. As of Thursday, 215 districts had applied for these grants, indicating a strong demand for resources aimed at improving literacy among Michigan children.
State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice commented on the situation, saying, “It’s exciting to see so many school districts have already applied for grants that will make a huge difference in the literacy achievement of Michigan children.” He urged the legislature to increase financial support for early literacy instruction, which is a priority shared by MDE, the State Board of Education, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and bipartisan legislators.
MDE is requesting that the legislature double its funding allocation for early literacy materials from $87 million to $174 million in fiscal year 2026. This request aims to encourage districts to begin implementing Michigan’s new literacy/dyslexia law ahead of schedule. Current budget negotiations have raised concerns as the State House budget lacks dedicated funding for further early literacy improvements.
The existing grant program is funded under Section 35m of the state School Aid Act for fiscal year 2025 with an allocation of $87 million. This fund supports a Committee for Literacy Achievement tasked with recommending effective tools and strategies and distributing funds to districts.
Evaluations conducted by this committee have resulted in three ranked lists: Tier 1 Early Literacy Materials and Series, Early Literacy Intervention Materials and Series, and Professional Development. These rankings are based on evidence showing improved student outcomes. Grants will be awarded based on district usage of highly rated instructional tools.
Additionally, another grant opportunity opened on June 2 under Section 35n of the state School Aid Act for fiscal year 2025. This program provides $10 million through the competitive Reading Excellence and Advancing District (READ) Innovation Grant. Sixteen applications have been received so far.
Both grant applications close on July 11, 2025.
In October last year, two laws were passed with strong bipartisan support and signed by Governor Whitmer to enhance literacy instruction effectiveness in Michigan schools. These laws require improved training for educators in identifying dyslexia characteristics and mandate using high-quality literacy materials along with screening and intervention efforts.
Other legislative priorities from MDE include reducing class sizes in high-poverty K-3 classrooms, mandatory teacher training in reading science through LETRS programs, and revisiting recent changes allowing fewer instructional days per school year.
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